Stance Evaluation

After intensive study in the subject of violent video games and regulation laws, I’ve become quite knowledgeable compared to when I first started on this investigative journey. There comes a time for every researcher during his quest to re-evaluate his standing and position with his subject. That’s exactly what I’m doing today.

Before I started intensive research about whether or not the U.S. government should regulate the sale of ultra-violent video games to minors, I was quite wishy-washy. I didn’t know the previous case history of preceding rulings, and I didn’t really care much either way. But, one thing was for certain – I did know first-hand that there are some adverse effects from playing video games. I was what you call a “hard-core” video gamer with over five different video game systems. Little by little I have developed a sense that this is just not good for me. My mother started pointing out that I’ve become less diligent in any other thing I would be put hands to, I started obeying less and behaving more disrespectfully towards my parents (especially when she told me to stop playing to go do chores – and all you other video gamers know exactly what I’m talking about). And worst of all – the thing that caught my attention most, is when I saw my little brother obtaining these same habits and behaviors – that I couldn’t stand for.

That being my only motivation, I wanted to see what type of behaviors video games invoked, who it was causing them to, and what evidence is out there that video games cause adverse behavior. The evidence out there was very biased (mostly) and both for and against either side. Finally, I came across an expert research organization that was dedicated to making tests and studies that are honest in their findings – they evaluate where information is lacking in their own tests. The main expert is Craig Anderson, and his team is the American Psychological Association (APA). They are the top scholars in this area of study.

After extensive research from APA and others, I have found that I am more solidly grounded in my stance: the government should prohibit the sale of ultra-violent video games to minors. Us video gamers can all admit to very frustrated and angry emotions towards are siblings when they “mess with our equipment.” We can all say that after playing for a day or two straight we easily get upset and aggressive toward our family as well. Eventually somebody’s going to lose control, and this is exactly what happened this last month in April, 2010: “A 16-year-old stabbed and murdered his 18-year-old brother because he turned on his PlayStation without asking… The police said that he lost control” (BBC News, April 29, 2010).

"Freedom of Expression is one thing, but violent expression is another."
- Jared Moss

Works Cited

BBC News. “Murder Charge in PlayStation Row.” News.bbc.co.uk. 29 Apr. 2010. Web. 28 May 2010.